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Another Congress-ruled state faces financial crunch, Telangana CM says his government is not able to pay salaries of government employees on time

OpIndia Staff
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Another Congress-ruled state faces financial crunch, Telangana CM says his government is not able to pay salaries of government employees on time

After Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, another Congress-ruled state is facing a financial crunch. Speaking in the State Legislative Council, the Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy admitted that the state is going through a financial crisis and therefore it is difficult for the government to pay the salaries of the government employees on the first of every month.

Admitting that government employees have a legitimate right to receive the Dearness Allowance (DA), Reddy appealed to the government employees not to insist on receiving the DA due to the poor financial situation of the state.

15 months after forming the government in the State, Reddy blamed the former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for the state’s financial crisis. He said that his government is not even able to fulfil its election promises because it is still repaying the huge loan amount left behind by the former KCR government.

Salary payments of ASHA and Anganwadi workers deferred

Earlier on Wednesday (12th March), CM Reddy had announced a delay in the payment of salaries to ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Giving a veiled threat to government employees, Reddy said that if they did not cooperate with the government, the financial crisis would worsen and salary disbursements would be further affected. “With a monthly revenue of Rs.18,500 crore against the required Rs.22,000 crore to fulfil all our commitments, we are deferring payments of salaries to ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and welfare schemes like Shaadi Mubarak and Kalyana Lakshmi. Basically, we are following a rotation system from one section to another to defer payments,” he said. He added that he was even willing to hand over financial management to government employees. “Let them decide how to distribute funds,” he said.

BRS accuses Reddy government of ruining the state’s financial condition

BRS working President KT Rama Rao cornered Reddy for his government’s failure to pay salaries on time. He held Congress responsible for destroying the financial condition of the state. “Running a State is not just about money distribution, but also creating wealth. Telangana’s economy, built over a decade, has been ruined within months by an incompetent leader,” he said. Taking a dig at the Reddy government, Rao said that the government had funds for its Delhi high command but not for paying the salaries, pensions or retirement benefits to the employees.

 

On this day in 2000, Uganda witnessed the horrific Kanungu massacre: How a Christian doomsday cult killed more than 700 people

Aditi
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On this day in 2000, Uganda witnessed the horrific Kanungu massacre: How a Christian doomsday cult killed more than 700 people

Today marks 25 years since the gruesome Kanungu cult massacre in Uganda that claimed the lives of more than 700 people. The incident marks the darkest chapter in the history of the East African country whose past is full of many political and social turmoil.

The Kanungu mass murder-suicides

On March 17, 2000, the world woke up to the horrifying news of the mass killings of hundreds of followers of a doomsday cult in a small village in the Kanungu district of Southwestern Uganda. The deceased were members of a cult called the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God (MRTCG). The deaths, which were initially suspected to be mass suicides, were later declared to be mass killings.

On the day of the tragedy, charred bodies of more than 500 people were discovered in a church whose windows and doors were boarded shut with nails. The horror did not stop with a single incident. The Ugandan authorities kept discovering piles of dead bodies in the weeks to follow from different locations.

On March 25, 2000, 153 dead bodies were found buried in one of the cult’s buildings in Buhinga village in the Rukungiri district. This was followed by the discovery of 155 dead bodies below the house of Father Dominic Kataribabo, one of the leaders of the cult, in Rugazi, Bushenyi district, two days later. A couple of days after this, 81 bodies were found in Rushojwa and a month later on April 27, 2000, 55 bodies were discovered in Buziga.

Events leading up to the incident

The cult leaders had told their followers that the world was going to end on December 31, 1999. However, when their prophecy did not come true, they decided to take matters into their own hands. The cult leaders announced the next day of the apocalypse to be March 17, 2000. They said that the apocalypse would come with “ceremony and finality”.

A day before the ‘final day’, that is on 16th March 2000, a huge party was organised by the cult in Kanungu with lots of food and drink. Thereafter, cult members and their families were gathered in the hall of a Church named Ark. All the windows and doors of the Church were boarded with nails and the building was set on fire. More than 500 cult members who had gathered in the Church were gutted in the fire.

Days before the fateful day, cult leader Kataribaho was said to have purchased about 50 litres of Sulphuric Acid. When the Ugandan authorities started investigations into the activities of the cult following the Church fire, they discovered from different locations the dead bodies of people who were said to have been killed weeks before the Church fire. Some of the reports said that some of these people were killed years ago.

The cult leaders were never found by the authorities. It is presumed that they escaped to some unknown location.

What was the MRTCG cult

The mass killings that sent shockwaves across the world drew attention towards the doomsday cult MRTCG which engineered these mass killings. The MRTCG cult was founded by Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibweteere in 1989 after the founders claimed to have seen the visions of the Virgin Mary.

The cult followers believed that the cave resembled the Virgin Mary (via BBC)

The cult had several other leaders including Joseph Kasapurari, Ursula Komuhangi, Rev. Fr. Dominic Kataribaho and John Kamagara. The cult rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and was dedicated to restoring God’s Ten Commandments to their rightful position in the world.

Cult leaders Ursula Komuhangi, Credonia Mwerinde, Joseph Kibwetere and Dominic Kataribabo (via BBC)

Credonia Mwerinde, a former sex worker, and Joseph Kibweteere, a former politician, set up the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God in the early 1990s. They proclaimed to have received revelations from the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, and their doctrines were an amalgamation of Christian and indigenous African traditions. The doctrines of the group emphasised the importance of faithfully following the Ten Commandments and preparing for the end of the world. Members were instructed to adhere to a stringent set of rules and rituals. They also believed that the world would end and a new earth would begin with year one, after the year 2000. The cult was registered under the NGO statute in 1997 to preach the Ten Commandments, the word of Jesus and the Virgin Mary and provide education and healthcare.

Punjab: Army Colonel and his son assaulted over car parking, family says Patiala police personnel behind the attack

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: Army Colonel and his son assaulted over car parking, family says Patiala police personnel behind the attack

On Sunday, 16th March, Patiala police registered an FIR against unidentified persons for assaulting an Army Colonel and his son over a car parking issue. Colonel Pushpinder Bhat, who is currently posted at Army Headquarters in New Delhi, and his son were attacked on the intervening night of 13th and 14th March.

The FIR has been registered against unidentified persons. However, the Colonel’s family members have accused Punjab police personnel of assaulting the father-son duo. Reportedly, the police personnel were in civil dress at the time of the incident.

According to a Hindustan Times report, one of the accused police personnel has claimed that it was the Army official and his son who attacked him. The FIR in the matter has been registered on the statement of a dhaba owner. Speaking to the media, SSP Dr Nanak Singh said that an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway.

What happened on the day of the incident

Speaking to Republic TV, Colonel Bhat’s son said that they had returned from Delhi on 13th March and wanted to have something to eat. They went to a dhaba for some Maggi. The police vehicle came from the wrong side to the spot where the car of the Colonel was parked and demanded that they move so that the police personnel could park their vehicle.

He alleged that all the police personnel in the car were drunk and in civilian dress. Col Bhat told them that he was from the Army and that this was not the way to talk to him. The police personnel allegedly told him in Punjabi, “If you don’t move your car, we’ll remove your legs.” Col Bhat responded politely and requested them to speak respectfully.

Suddenly, one of the police personnel allegedly punched the Army officer, causing him to blackout and collapse. When Col Bhat’s son rushed to help him, they allegedly beat him up as well. He added that around seven police personnel dragged him aside and punched him. He also accused them of hitting him with rods. Meanwhile, despite being injured, Col Bhat tried to get up and save his son, but he was pushed down again. Col Bhat sustained a fracture in his hand during the altercation.

Col Bhat’s family added that they have video evidence showing the Army officer getting kicked while being unconscious. The police personnel allegedly continued to kick him and left him lying on the ground.

Delay in FIR and police inaction

After the family tried to get an FIR filed against the accused police personnel, they started getting pressurised to compromise. “My mother was kept at the police station until late at night. They made me run between the hospital and police station till 1 AM, citing procedural delays just to avoid filing the FIR,” the Army officer said.

He further added that they allegedly threatened them, claiming they were coming back from an encounter. They snatched Col Bhat’s ID card and, while beating him, told him, “If you’re alive by the morning, come collect your ID.”

“They didn’t just assault us; they attempted to kill us. I was hit with rods on my head. My father—who wears spectacles—was pushed to the ground and suffered head injuries. Even after going to the SP’s office twice, we were asked to compromise,” Col Bhat’s son said.

The family members were called to the police station once again, where the police personnel allegedly apologised. When they refused to accept the apology, they allegedly threatened him again, saying, “You have to stay in Patiala.” He also accused the police personnel of blocking the media from reaching the family.

Threats and pressure to compromise

The wife of Col Bhat, Jaswinder Bhat, held a press conference in Patiala on 15th March, saying that her husband and their son reached a dhaba near Government Rajindra Hospital on the intervening night of 13th and 14th March. They were standing outside the car and having food when the accused police officials arrived and asked Col Bhat to move his car. She said, “When my husband objected to their language, one of them punched him. Later, all the police personnel thrashed my husband and my son.”

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Col Bhat said, “The police have not named the cops as accused in the case. Moreover, this FIR was registered after senior Army officers intervened.”

According to a Republic report, there was a delay in registering the FIR. Senior Army officials had to intervene to get the FIR registered.

The family has demanded that the police personnel involved in the assault be suspended.

Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, built entirely from donations of devotees, contributes ₹396 crores in taxes to govt

Rukma Rathore
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Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, built entirely from donations of devotees, contributes ₹396 crores in taxes to govt

On 16th March Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj presided over a pivotal meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust at Mani Ram Das Chhawni in Ayodhya. Seven trust members and four invited members attended the meeting, which was held at the temple. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai spoke to the media following the meeting and gave an overview of the trust’s finances.

After its formation on 5th February 2020, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has utilized a total of ₹2,150 crore over the last five years on the ongoing construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with 18% tax paid to the government. Notably, the money was raised through donations from common people, businessmen and others whereas the Indian government only contributed Re 1 to the Ram Mandir trust prior to the temple’s construction.

The trust obtained a tremendous amount of ₹3,500 crore in donations, 60% of which came between February 2020 and 2021. Champat Rai added that the trust has given ₹396 crore to several government departments over the past five years intaxes. ₹272 crore of this amount was transferred to the government as GST and ₹130 crore was contributed under different tax categories. The Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam received ₹200 crore to build three gates surrounding the Ram Katha Museum.

Furthermore, ₹39 crore was deposited in the government’s account. A royalty of ₹14.90 crore was paid. ₹7.40 crore was used on labor funds for construction workers. ₹4 crore was provided for the insurance policy. Ayodhya Vikas Pradhikaran was granted ₹5 crore to approve the Ram Janmabhoomi map. The registration fee for the land that was bought in Ayodhya was ₹29 crore. The electricity bill was covered with ₹10 crore.

Over the past five years, devotees have donated 944 kg of silver (around 92% pure) to the trust. Twenty-kilogram silver bricks have been produced by the Minting Corporation, under the Indian government. “The Trust has received these silver bricks which have been kept in bank lockers,” Champat Rai conveyed. He also announced that 96 per cent of the Ram Mandir’s construction is complete.

He pointed out that the number of tourists and devotees in Ayodhya has increased significantly, creating more job prospects for locals. He stated that 1.26 crore Hindus traveled to Ayodhya during the Maha Kumbh. 5 crore of the 16 crore visitors to the region in the previous year went to the temple. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) personnel conduct routine audits of the trust’s financial records.

Four members participated in the meeting virtually. Two members were unable to attend and another member, Kameshwar Chaupal passed away on 7th February. The meeting concluded that there will be no chief priest at the Ram Mandir. Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Lalla Acharya passed away on 12th February. On 6th April, Ram Navami, the sun rays will adorn the forehead (surya tilak) of Ram Lalla for around four minutes at 12:00 pm. 50 LCD displays are going to be installed across Ayodhya so that residents have access to the event live on public broadcaster Doordarshan.

Ram Mandir spurs economic growth in Ayodhya and around

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which opened on 22nd January accomplished a lot more more than offering spiritual solace and enlightenment to Lord Ram devotees. It is now the main driver of Ayodhya’s thriving local economy and is reviving the district’s GDP contribution to Uttar Pradesh. Since the temple’s consecration, more than two lakh pilgrims and visitors land in the city every day, which has improved Ayodhya’s economy and raised per capita income significantly.

Today, Ayodhya is a popular travel destination that draws people from all over the world. Staying in the hotels, purchasing at local shops, visiting temples and bringing home souvenirs like the Shri Ram flag, sweets and a replica of the Ram Mandir contributes to the district’s booming economy. The state government revealed that more than 13.5 crore people have visited the temple town in the last 12 months, with over 3 lakh visits every day, reported “The Times Of India.”

Officials from the city’s tourism agency stressed that the surge of tourists has not only elevated the city’s spiritual significance but also significantly enhanced local economies. The overwhelming number of visitors each day has resulted in a significant influx of earnings even if a number of industries are included in the unorganized sector. From artisans to flower vendors, merchants and the hospitality sector, the economic growth is evident in many areas.

The profits of these services have increased by three to four times. Particularly in the hospitality industry, an increase in tourism has led to a four-fold increase in hotels, guest houses, and homestays which has stimulated Ayodhya’s economy. A senior officer from the tourism department mentioned, “While no official survey to gauge the economic activity has been conducted so far, assuming each visitor has spent at least ₹300 during their visit, the overall economy of the city and state has grown by at least ₹3,900 crore in the last year.”

The inauguration of the temple has mostly helped the local population, as the number of business facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, fuel stations, shops and taxi operators have grown. Atul Singh, a spokesman of the UP Udyog Vyapar Mandal and the promoter of the city’s first shopping center expressed, “Economic activity has grown across the entire region since the Ram Mandir was established.”

A hotellier Sharad Kapoor stated, “Room tariffs and occupancy levels have increased in the past year. Our business has grown, though there is potential for more improvement through policy intervention and strategic planning.” The demand for rooms has been steadily going upwards ever since the Ram Mandir opened.

Ayodhya is now home to hundreds of restaurants, hotels, and eateries. “Until early 2022, the volume of registered hotels and guesthouses in Ayodhya was in the single digits. Now, we have about 180 registered with the local development authority,” an officer informed. Thousands of property owners have turned their residential residences into homestays, creating an additional source of revenue.

1,143 homestays, many of which are independently run, have been registered in the last year, giving families an extra source of income.

Ram Mandir brings significant development

Likewise, early teething issues that had caused obstacles for local traders and businessmen including heavy barricading, diversions and no-entry barriers gradually subsided. Residents and traders were given passes to make it easier for them to transfer their cars and commercial supplies. The cost of real estate has also increased dramatically, with land on the periphery turning more expensive and its availability inside the city becoming quite rare.

Once struggling, artisans and craftspeople are now in greater demand. Tourists are eager to purchase religious objects, souvenirs, and traditional antiques to bring home a piece of Ayodhya’s heritage. Market-sold goods have shown a sharp increase in sales, ranging from ornaments to Lord Ram idols and even mementos. Artisans are even turning leftover materials from idol-making into toys to further boost local revenue and employment growth. Daily revenue of shopkeepers has also risen tremendously.

“Whether you are a person writing Jai Shri Ram on tourists’ foreheads, a street vendor, or running hotels, everyone’s business has grown. Prices of property have also increased by five to seven times and those near the temple by 10 times,” Sushil Jaiswal, President of the Traders Association highlighted according to a report in the “India Today.” According to Vinod Kumar Srivastava, General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Economic Association, Ayodhya’s economic influence is evident due to an enormous rise in every sector.

There was little to no development in Ayodhya in last few decades but the government has brought radical shift in its infrastructure including revamped Ayodhya Dham railway station, constructing a new railway terminal and building Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport. Common areas and significant landmarks like the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk have been developed. For important projects like the Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama Marg and the Ayodhya bypass, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is spending ₹12,000 crore.

The business sector, in collaboration with the government, has been instrumental in the town’s development. An average Ayodhya resident now enjoys a greater standard of living owing to government and private investments that have increased tourism and created jobs. The residents of Ayodhya have also directly benefited from these advancements. Roads like the Ram Path and Dharma Path have been expanded and there are now more municipal facilities, better connection and superior hospitality services.

It is crucial to remember that while the public and private sectors have contributed to Ayodhya’s development, Ram Mandir is the main factor that has elevated the city to international prominence and transformed its economy and way of life. The devotees that come to Ayodhya for the temple are the driving force behind the magnificent change. Ranking as the second most expensive public monument built in recent years, the temple has been poised to provide massive benefits to Uttar Pradesh. It was projected to help the state exceed the Rs 4 lakh crore mark in tourism revenue annually and contribute an additional Rs 20,000-25,000 crore to its tax revenue, per SBI research which was published last year.

Hence, Ram Mandir, the manifestation of the centuries-long struggle and faith of millions of Hindus, is not only a sacred place of worship for Hindus, but it also strengthens the economy, generates jobs, and offers a higher quality of life people. It has not only transformed the present and future of Ayodhya for the better but has also placed it prominently on the global map.

Bollywood socialite Orry and 7 others booked for consuming alcohol and non-veg near Vaishno Devi shrine

ANI
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Bollywood socialite Orry and 7 others booked for consuming alcohol and non-veg near Vaishno Devi shrine

Bollywood socialite Orhan Awatramani (ORRY) is among several individuals named in an FIR lodged on March 15 by Katra police for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra.

As per a press note from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, “Taking cognizance of the complaint regarding an issue involving certain guests who were staying at Hotel of Katra and found taking Alcohol, Katra police has lodged an FIR on March 15 against Orhan Awatramani (ORRY), Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina, who consumed alcohol in hotel premises despite being told that alcohol and non-vegetarian diet is not allowed inside Cottage Suite as it is strictly prohibited at such a divine place of Mata Vaishno devi pilgrimage.”

The release notes, “Sensing the gravity of the matter the strict instructions were passed by SSP Reasi Paramvir singh (JKPS) to nab the defaulters thereby setting an example of no tolerance of any such act of drugs or alcohol at religious places which hurts the sentiments of the common masses.”

As per the release, the team was constituted under the supervision of SP Katra, Dysp Katra and SHO Katra to track the culprits who violated the rule of the land and showed disrespect to the sentiments of the people connected with the faith.

According to the release, SSP Reasi, while giving a tough message to the defaulters, added that there is no place for those who don’t follow the law of the land and try to disrupt the peace by resorting to any means, especially by way of drugs/alcohol and iron hands will deal with them.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Hungary announces tax exemption for women who bear children, aims to boost birth rate

OpIndia Staff
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Hungary announces tax exemption for women who bear children, aims to boost birth rate

In a historic move to tackle declining population growth, Hungary has announced massive tax exemptions up to the age of 30 for women who have one child. Women who have two or more children will be completely exempt from paying income taxes throughout their lives. This move is an expansion of an existing policy wherein life-long income tax exemptions are granted to mothers with four or more children.

The Hungarian authorities dubbed this decision aimed at boosting the country’s birth rates as a “global sensation” and a “new chapter” in Hungary’s economic history. 

During his State of the Nation speech in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that the tax exemptions for women with three children would take effect in October 2025 and in January 2026 for those with two kids.

In addition to this, the interest rates on housing loans will be capped at 5% beginning in April, as part of steps to shore up the economy. PM Orban called fresh tax exemptions “the biggest tax reduction programme in Europe.”

“This will be a huge expense, but the reviving economy, the measures to support businesses and full employment combined are capable of paying for this in a way that the budget deficit and public debt both decline,” the Hungarian Prime Minister said.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, “Hungary is making history with the largest tax cut in Europe & the entire Western world! We are building the world’s first family-centred economy: One-child mothers exempt from income tax until they turn 30. Two or more children? No income tax for life! Securing the future of Hungarian families for decades to come.”

Informing about the budget of the tax deduction programme, Hungarian Economy Minister Marton Nagy said the tax exemption for mothers of three comprises 250,000 people and costs the budget 170 billion forint ($441 million) every year. The Hungarian authorities said that at present, around 70000 mothers of four children are exempt from paying taxes and this costs about 50 billion Hungarian forints annually.

Notably, much like many other European nations, Hungary is also witnessing a sharp decline in birth rates. Data shows that in 2023, Hungary’s population shrunk by 15,000. The country’s total population is estimated to be around 96 lakh. In the last decade, reports say that Hungary’s population has slumped from nearly 10 million to 9.7 million. The proportion and number of childless people in Hungary’s 2022 census recorded a substantial surge.

As per the preliminary demographic data by the Central Statistical Office (KSH), in December 2024 alone, 6,339 children were born while 11,773 people died. This caused a natural population drop of 5,434 and represented a 4.1% drop in births and a 7.0% decline in deaths compared to the same month in 2023, Budapest Business Journal reported.

In 2024, Hungary’s total fertility rate fell to an estimated 1.38 children per woman. This is in line with a rapid population and birth rate decline in many developed countries, like Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

Uttar Pradesh: Police arrest 4 men for forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, accused promised ‘financial benefits’ to victims

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Police arrest 4 men for forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, accused promised ‘financial benefits’ to victims

On Saturday (15th March), the police arrested four individuals accused of coercing members of the Hindu community into converting to Christianity. The incident took place in the Paniyara police station area, which falls under the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.

The police acted on a tip-off from activists of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The FIR has been registered under Sections 3 and 5(1) of Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 against Nagendra Singh, Ramesh Kumar, Imarti and Radha.

Allegations of forced conversion

According to media reports, RSS activists learned that a group of individuals in Beniganj village was luring Hindus to convert to Christianity by promising them financial incentives. RSS members reached the location and alerted the police.

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal’s district head, Arvind Singh, said in a statement that certain individuals were targeting poor Hindus with monetary benefits if they converted to Christianity. He affirmed that VHP would continue to demand legal action against such activities.

FIR details and police action

OpIndia accessed FIR filed in the case. The FIR in the matter has been registered on the complaint of Arvind Singh. He informed the police in his complaint that Nagendra Singh, Ramesh Kumar, Imarti, and Radha were allegedly persuading locals to convert to Christianity by promising them financial benefits. The conversion was taking place at Nagendra Singh’s residence in Beniganj village. The other three accused in the matter are residents of Bariyarpur. Singh and other locals reportedly confronted the accused and informed the police about the conversion event.

Source: UP Police

Following the complaint, police took swift action and arrested the four accused. After the preliminary investigations confirmed that the conversion event was indeed taking place, the accused were sent to jail. Officials stated that further investigation into the matter is underway and assured that strict action will be taken as per the law.

HUDCO extends a massive ₹11,000 crore loan for construction of Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravati, MoU signed

ANI
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HUDCO extends a massive ₹11,000 crore loan for construction of Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravati, MoU signed

In a significant development, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has extended a massive Rs 11,000 crore loan to the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) for the construction of Amaravati, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, said the official statement.

This agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at his residence in Undavalli and was attended by Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), P Narayana, HUDCO CMD Sanjay Kul Shreshtha, and other officials.

As per the agreement, HUDCO will provide a loan of Rs 11,000 crore for the construction of the state capital. The loan is part of the Rs 26,000 crore needed for constructing Amaravati Phase-1. With this loan, HUDCO has helped bridge the funding gap, as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank had already committed Rs 15,000 crore.

Earlier, during the HUDCO board meeting in Mumbai on January 22, approval was granted for funding. Following this, the agreement was formally signed with CRDA today.

Chief Minister Naidu welcomed the loan agreement, stating that it would accelerate the development of Amaravati.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, CM Naidu also urged citizens to participate in the ‘Swachh Andhra’ campaign, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and keeping public spaces clean.

He also accused the previous YSRCP government of having burdened the people with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore.

“Every individual should be a part of achieving the goal of a Clean Andhra. Everyone must contribute to protecting the environment. It is our collective responsibility to keep our homes, surroundings, schools, colleges, government offices, public places, and places of worship clean,” the Chief Minister said while participating in the Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra program in West Godavari district’s Tanuku.

Naidu said that with the cooperation of the Centre, his government had embarked on a path of development.

“On March 15, 1978, exactly 45 years ago, I stepped into the Assembly for the first time. I have been honored in an extraordinary way that no one else in this state has experienced. My only goal is to serve the Telugu people. We are bringing reforms in governance. The people have blessed the alliance of the TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena. With the cooperation of the central government, the state has embarked on a path of development. We have introduced a clear policy under ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’,” he said.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Lex Fridman Podcast: PM Modi praises Donald Trump’s unshakeable dedication to his country, draws parallels between ‘India First’ and ‘America First’ ideologies

ANI
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Lex Fridman Podcast: PM Modi praises Donald Trump’s unshakeable dedication to his country, draws parallels between ‘India First’ and ‘America First’ ideologies

In a podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated US President Donald Trump’s unshakeable dedication to his country, particularly in the wake of assassination attempts last year.

Recalling Trump’s resilience and determination during campaigning for US elections, even after being shot, he said, “When he was shot during the recent campaign, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump, the one who walked hand-in-hand with me in that stadium. Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation.”

He also drew parallels between Trump’s “America First” ideology and his own “India First” approach, highlighting their shared commitment to prioritizing their nations’ interests. This alignment has fostered a strong connection between the two leaders.

“His reflection showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in Nation First. I stand for India first and that’s why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate. And I believe that across the world politicians are covered so much by the media that people mostly perceive each other through its lens. People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another and perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions,” he added.

Recalling their memorable meeting at the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston in 2019, Modi praised Trump’s humility and courage, noting that the then-President of the United States sat in the audience while he spoke from the stage.

“We had an event in Houston, Howdy Modi. Both President Trump and I were there and the entire stadium was completely packed. A massive crowd at an event in the US is a huge moment. While packed stadiums are common in sports, this was extraordinary for a political rally…Both of us delivered speeches and he sat down below listening to me speak. Now, that’s his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part,” he said.

After finishing his speech, PM Modi suggested taking a lap around the stadium to greet the large crowd of Indian diaspora. courage. Despite strict security protocols, Trump agreed to take a lap around the stadium with Modi, demonstrating their mutual trust and respect.

“After finishing my speech, I stepped down and as we all know, security in the US is extremely strict and thorough. The level of scrutiny there is on a completely different level. I went over to thank him and casually said, “If you don’t mind, why don’t we take a lap around the stadium? There are so many people here. Let’s walk, wave and greet them.” In American life, it’s almost impossible for the President to walk into a crowd of thousands, but without even a moment’s hesitation, he agreed and started walking with me,” he added.

PM Modi described the moment as “truly touching,” adding that “It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead at that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd.”

“It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day,” PM Modi added “and the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing. And if you watch the video now, you’ll be amazed.”

Highlighting his first White House visit, when Trump broke formal protocols and personally gave PM Modi a tour, he said, “When I visited him in the White House for the first time, there was already a lot written about President Trump in the media. At that time, he was still new to office and the world had a rather different perception of him. Even though I had been briefed in many different ways before meeting him, to my surprise, the very moment I stepped into the White House, he broke all formal protocols right away. And then, he took me on a tour of the White House. As he showed me around, I noticed something striking, he wasn’t holding any notes or cue cards, nor was anyone accompanying him to assist.”

“He pointed things out himself. This is where Abraham Lincoln lived,” he said. “He even explained why the courtroom was designed so long. He would point at the table and tell me which President signed here and on what date. I found that incredibly impressive. It showed how much he honoured the Presidency and how respectful and deeply connected he was to America’s history. I could feel that. And he spoke to me freely, discussing many things openly. That was my experience from our first meeting,” added PM Modi.

PM Modi also appreciated Trump’s kind gestures, including his warm words about their friendship even after his first term ended.

“Later, when his first term ended, and President Biden won, four years passed, but during that time whenever someone we both knew met him, and this must have happened dozens of times, he would say, ‘Modi is my friend, convey my regards.’ That kind of gesture is rare. Even though we didn’t meet physically for years, our direct and indirect communication, our closeness and the trust between us remained unshaken,” he said.

In addition, PM Modi praised Trump’s preparedness and clear vision in his second term, observing that he seems “far more prepared than before.”

“I have observed President Trump both during his first term and now in his second run. This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he said.

PM Modi also noted that during his recent visit to the United States, he also met with several influential figures, including Tech billinore Elon Musk, US Vice President JD Vance; United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and American entrepreneur and politician, Vivek Ramaswamy.

He added that his meeting with Elon Musk was particularly warm and friendly, as Musk was accompanied by his family and children. PM Modi has known Musk since his time as chief minister, and their discussion covered a range of topics, including Musk’s exciting new DOGE mission.

“I also had the chance to meet members of his team, and I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trump’s vision based on my interactions with them. I met several people, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and there was a family-like atmosphere, everyone had come with their families. As for Elon Musk, I have known him since my time as chief minister. He was there with his family and children, so naturally, the atmosphere felt warm and friendly,” he said.

“Of course, we had discussions and we talked about many different topics. Now, with his DOGE mission, he is incredibly excited about how it’s progressing and honestly, it makes me happy too because when I took office in 2014, I wanted to free my country from the deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in, and I’ll continue striving to eliminate as many of them as I possibly can,” he added.

As per his official website, Lex Fridman has been a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2015. His podcasts cover several themes, such as artificial intelligence, global politics, cryptocurrency, productivity, global geopolitics, and technology. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Maktoob Media and Islamists claim Muslim man was beaten to death by Hindus for resisting Holi colours in Unnao, postmortem reveals cardiac arrest and no sign of injury

OpIndia Staff
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Maktoob Media and Islamists claim Muslim man was beaten to death by Hindus for resisting Holi colours in Unnao, postmortem reveals cardiac arrest and no sign of injury

Some Islamist handles on social media shared a post on Sunday (16th March) alleging that a Muslim man died in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, after being beaten by a group of people celebrating Holi on Saturday (15th March). The social media handles, including Maktoob Media and Hate Detector, claimed that the Muslim man died after he was physically attacked by a group of Hindus playing Holi after he objected to being coloured.

Citing a report of Jagran, the social media handles alleged that the 48-year-old Muslim man named Sharif was going to a mosque on Saturday when he reportedly encountered a group of men celebrating Holi near Mohalla Kashif Ali Sarai Chungi Power House. The group threw colours on him, to which he objected. The group allegedly physically attacked him. He was rescued by some bystanders who made him sit down on a platform nearby and gave him water to drink. However, a few moments later, he collapsed and died.

The victim reportedly lived near Qasim Nagar Rabbanna Mosque in Sadar. He returned to India 2 months ago from Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a driver.

Maktoob Media shared the post on Instagram.

A similar story was shared by Hate Detector on X alleging that the Muslim man died after being brutally assaulted by a Hindu mob.

However, the claims of the Islamist social media users that the Muslim man died after being assaulted by a Hindu mob were refuted by the Unnao Police. Commenting on the post shared by Hate Detector on X, the Unnao Polie said that the deceased died of a cardiac arrest.

The police said that the body of the deceased was sent by the police for post-mortem, which was conducted by a panel of doctors and was videographed. The post-mortem revealed that there was no sign of injury on the body of the deceased. The police are investigating the matter.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the man died due to cardiac arrest, not due to any assault by people celebrating Holi.

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